I ask because my boyfriend and myself are going to travel to Prague for a week, staying in a self-catering apartment which is about a 5 minute walk away from Wenscelas Square (which I hear is somewhat unsafe at night).
I am just quite worried because I also hear that pick-pocketing is common and there is the occasional mugging.
Are these just overblown rumours (obviously with some truth behind them), but is it really as bad as I have read? It just sounds like a wonderful city but I don't want my holiday to be ruined with my personal belongings being stolen.
Also: the apartment wouldn't be broken in to would it?
I swear I'm being too paranoid about this all, hehe =)
Thank you for any help xx I had no trouble at all when I went to Prague (apart from being accosted by the 2 ugliest prostitutes I have ever seen - lol).
It is no different to visiting any other city in the world. Don't stand out as a potential victim by looking like a tourist:
e.g.
- don't stand around in the street looking at tourist maps/guides, go inside a cafe or somewhere like that and look at them.
- don't have valuables on display (camera around the neck, wallet/passport in back pocket) etc.
- double lock your apartment door when you go out. But then you would do that at home anyway.
That kind of thing really.
I had a great time there, all the people I spoke to were really friendly, and my mate and I wandered the streets at night (a little legless most times after sampling Czech hospitality in the bars) and didn't feel scared at all. Just keep your wits about you, but don't let paranoia creep in.
Just treat it like your home city and have a wonderful time. Make sure you explore each of the four main districts!!
Its virtually impossible to get lost as all the side streets eventually come back out on to a main street somewhere, and they often have some of the best little shops hiddens away. Don't be afraid to explore.
Also, the trams are a really cheap way to get around from one district to the next (especially if you go up to the castle).
I took this approach to exploring when I went to Johannesburg as well. I had no trouble there either and that is one of the most violent cities in the world!!! Quite safe, but there are still people who target the unwary tourists. Watch out for those who come up to you and claim to be police in plain clothes. They will ask you for passport and even demand to see your money. Just walk away quickly and report to the first policeman you meet. They are NOT the police.
Yes, there are many pickpockets. Many people go to the main square and watch the clock chiming and are so engrossed they don't watch their pockets. Take care. Stay on the main streets. Tips on Staying Safe in Prague
Since the early 1990s, Prague has been reborn as a place that welcomes millions of travelers from all over the world every year. As the tourists stream in, others flourish. Among them, the pickpockets, thieves and "businessmen".
Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is one of Prague's most common crimes.
1) Don't underestimate Prague pickpockets and don't think you can outsmart them. Many of them are highly skilled "professionals".
2) Don't become paranoid. Make sure you are still enjoying yourself on your trip. Although pickpocketing is a problem in Prague, just like it is a problem in many tourist destinations around the world, it doesn't mean that thieves are waiting for you at every corner. We have been robbed in other European cities, but never in Prague - knock on wood.
Czech police probably won't do much to help you if you're robbed (just like the police in some other European cities), so prevention is your best protection. Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a pickpocket:
鈥?Don't carry large amounts of cash with you. Carry a credit card and take money out of a cash
- machine as you go. Cash machines are plentiful in Prague and their screens usually come with
- an English language version.
鈥?Leave important documents in a safe deposit box at your hotel. You should carry your passport with
- you, but leave a copy of it at your hotel in case the original gets lost. Making copies of your important
- documents is always a good idea when traveling.
鈥?Be careful on crowded trams and subways, especially in the historical center of Prague. Know what's
- happening around you, try not to find yourself squeezed in a crowd of other passengers.
鈥?Wear a money belt instead of a handbag. Although it can be a bit of a nuisance, we have found it to
- be a very secure place to keep our valuables. In addition, not having to worry about a handbag or
- wallet will free up your mind to fully appreciate the beauty of Prague.
鈥?If you are carrying a handbag, always be aware of it. Keep it closed up and hold on to it in busy
- areas.
鈥?Don't take out your wallet or money in busy areas.
鈥?Don't change money on the street. There are plenty of banks to choose from.
鈥?Be especially careful in very touristy areas: on Karlova and Melantrichova Streets, on the Charles
- Bridge, on the Old Town Square, on trams 22 and 23, in busy stores.
Car Break-Ins and Car Theft
Car break-ins are the leading type of property crime in Prague. The advice here is simple: never leave valuables in your car. Car theft is also quite common in the Czech Republic although the situation has gotten a little better in recent years. To prevent your car from being stolen or broken into, always park it in a guarded parking lot or a parking garage. Don't leave your car on the street if you don't have to. To read about parking in Prague, click here.
Taking a Taxi
Taking a taxi in Prague can turn into one of those experiences that can ruin your day. Prague taxi drivers are known for their shameless and often rude treatment of tourists and for charging prices several times higher than what you should pay. Please read Taking a Taxi in Prague to get a few pieces of advice.
Unsafe Areas
Aside from property crime, Prague is a relatively safe city. The rate of violent crime is low and most areas of Prague are safe to walk around even after dark.
Be careful on Wenceslas Square at night. There have been cases of trusting "love-seekers" being robbed of all their money. The city of Prague carried out a large cleanup operation on Wenceslas Square in 2006 and the situation is supposedly much better now.
The park around the main train station (referred to by the locals as "Sherwood" for obvious reasons) is not the safest place after dark. This should change with the planned renovation of the train station, which should be carried out in the years 2007 - 2009.
If you use common sense and follow your intuition, you should be able to stay out of harm's way.
Police Stations
If you need to contact the police, call 158 (state police) or 156 (city police) or the Emergency Central Number 112.
Take the precautions you麓d take anywhere. Don麓t worry too much and enjoy yourself. :-) It is absolutely fine...i went in Nov 07 for surgery, so if i ever looked vulnerable i did then! People are not overly friendly but as i understand its a czech thing due to the communism that used to be present there. Wenselas las square is fine too. I was there 8 days and i will def return there some day in diffrent circumstances. Use this link for more info |
